Your Bank of America Routing Number: What It Is and Where to Find It

A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center should handle your transaction.

Every bank in the United States has routing numbers — sometimes more than one. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in and what type of transaction you're making. When you set up a direct deposit, pay a bill online, or send money via wire transfer, you'll need to provide this number so the money reaches the right place.

The routing number is not secret information. It appears on the bottom left of your checks, and you can find it through Bank of America's website or by calling customer service. Knowing your routing number is essential for receiving paychecks, setting up automatic payments, and moving money between accounts.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits long and vary by state and account type, so you need to find the one specific to your location.
• Your routing number appears on the bottom left corner of your checks, before your account number.
• You can find your routing number on the Bank of America website, through the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
• Direct deposits, bill payments, and wire transfers all require your routing number to process correctly.
• Using the wrong routing number will delay or misdirect your transaction, so double-check before submitting.

Where to find your Bank of America routing number

The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The nine-digit number on the bottom left, before your account number, is your routing number. If you don't have checks handy, log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, go to the account details or account information section, and your routing number will be listed there.

You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number. A representative will give you the routing number for your specific account. If you're setting up direct deposit at work or with a government agency, ask your employer or the agency if they have a list of Bank of America routing numbers — many do, organized by state.

Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers

Bank of America operates processing centers in different regions, and each one has its own routing number. Your account's routing number depends on the state where you opened it or where your branch is located. A checking account opened in California will have a different routing number than one opened in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts.

The routing number also varies by transaction type in some cases. A wire transfer might use a different routing number than a direct deposit, though for most Bank of America customers the routing number stays the same across transaction types. This is why it's important to confirm you have the correct number for your specific account and state before you submit it.

How to use your routing number for direct deposit

When your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or the IRS) sets up direct deposit to your Bank of America account, you'll need to provide both your routing number and your account number. The routing number tells the system which Bank of America processing center to send the money to; your account number tells that center which specific account within Bank of America should receive it.

Write down your routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your check or in your account details. Transposing even one digit can send your paycheck to the wrong place. Once you submit the information, the employer or agency will usually verify it by making a small test deposit (often 25 cents to a few dollars) before setting up the full direct deposit.

Using your routing number for online bill payments and transfers

If you pay bills through Bank of America's online banking system or transfer money to another person's account, you may need to provide a routing number. When you're sending money to someone else's bank account — whether it's a wire transfer or an ACH transfer (a slower, free method) — you'll enter their bank's routing number, not yours.

When you're setting up a bill payment to a company or utility, Bank of America usually handles the routing details behind the scenes. However, if you're transferring money to an account at a different bank, you'll need that other bank's routing number. Bank of America's routing number is only used when money is coming into your Bank of America account.

Common mistakes when using your routing number

The most common error is confusing your routing number with your account number. Your routing number is always nine digits and identifies the bank; your account number is longer (usually 10 to 12 digits) and identifies your specific account. Both appear on your check, but in different positions.

Another frequent mistake is using an outdated routing number. If you have old checks from a closed account or a branch that has merged, the routing number on those checks may no longer work. Always pull your routing number from a current check, your online account, or by calling Bank of America directly.

People also sometimes enter the routing number in the wrong field when setting up a transfer or direct deposit. Read the form carefully — it should clearly label where the routing number goes and where the account number goes. If you're unsure, contact Bank of America or the organization requesting the information before submitting.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transaction will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. With direct deposit, a wrong routing number means your paycheck won't arrive on payday — it may be returned to your employer, who will then have to resubmit it with the correct information. This can delay your payment by several days or even weeks.

With bill payments or transfers, a wrong routing number can cause the payment to be returned unpaid, which may result in late fees from the company you were trying to pay. If money is sent to the wrong bank, it can take time to trace and recover it. Always verify your routing number before submitting any transaction, especially for direct deposit or large transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same for all Bank of America accounts I have?

Not necessarily. If you have accounts at different Bank of America branches or in different states, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account individually through your online banking or by calling customer service. Most people have one routing number, but it's worth confirming if you have multiple accounts.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes. When you send money to another person's bank account, you use their bank's routing number and their account number. You do not use your own routing number. Make sure you have both pieces of information correct before submitting the transfer.

Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?

No. Your routing number is only needed for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments. You do not need it to use your debit card at a store, ATM, or online retailer. Your card number and PIN are separate from your routing number.

What's the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is used for international wire transfers. If you're sending money to a Bank of America account outside the U.S., you'll need the SWIFT code instead of the routing number. Bank of America can provide this if you ask.

Can I change my routing number?

No. Your routing number is assigned by the Federal Reserve and is tied to your account's location and bank. You cannot change it. If you move to a different state and want a new routing number, you would need to open a new account at a Bank of America branch in that state.